patrole

Noun

patrol (countable and uncountable, plural patrols)

1. A going of the rounds along the chain of sentinels and between the posts, by a guard, usually consisting of three or four men, to insure greater security from attacks on the outposts.
   • Four members of the squadron were on patrol.
2. A movement, by a small body of troops beyond the line of outposts, to explore the country and gain intelligence of the enemy's whereabouts.
3. The guards who go the rounds for observation; a detachment whose duty it is to patrol.
   • After cordial good-bye to our hospitable hostess we motored back to Chaumont where we dined with Colonel Mitchell; and then with another long drive we finally reached home tired but happy at 3.30 in the morning. There staring me in the face was an order directing me to lead my patrol over the lines...1919, Eddie Rickenbacker, “Chapter 7”, in Fighting the Flying Circus
4. The largest division of officers within a police department or sheriff's office, whose assignment is to patrol and respond to calls for service.
5. Any perambulation of a particular line or district to guard it; also, the people thus guarding.
   • a customs patrol
6. (scouting) A unit of a troop, usually defined by certain ranks or age groups within the troop, and ideally comprised of six to eight members.
   • On a makeshift bed in the corner was an old woman looking very sick. Then a patrol of "Missioner" Scouts appeared on the scene: one seized a broom and swept out the room; the next made up the fire with some fuel he had procured and made her a cup of tea; another mended the rickety table, bed and...1913, anonymous author, Boy Scouts and What They Do/Object of Scouting

See all 8 meanings of patrol